For Immediate Release – July 22, 2026
GREENUP, IL — Embarras River Basin Agency, Inc. (ERBA) is pleased to announce it’s Housing Counseling Department has been awarded the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Illinois Healthy Resilient Communities 2027 Implementation Grant, providing critical support to expand ERBA’s capacity to assist low-income households in obtaining home repair funding and addressing housing-related health and safety concerns.
The grant will strengthen ERBA’s efforts to connect vulnerable residents with resources that improve housing stability, reduce health risks, and create safer living environments. The project will focus on helping low-income families, seniors, veterans, and individuals with chronic health conditions, access home repair programs and funding opportunities that can address issues such as structural deficiencies, accessibility barriers, fall hazards, and other health-related housing concerns.
Through this initiative, ERBA will enhance collaboration with local health departments, healthcare providers, and community organizations to identify residents in need and establish a coordinated referral system that increases access to services. The grant will also support expanded outreach, housing assessments, application assistance, and follow-up services for households facing challenges that impact both their housing and health.
“This funding represents an important investment in the health and well-being of the communities we serve,” said Sandy Deters, Housing Counseling Coordinator of ERBA. “Safe, stable housing is a key factor in overall health. By increasing our capacity, we can help more families navigate the often-complicated process of securing home repair assistance and create healthier living conditions for those most in need.”
According to ERBA’s implementation plan, the project will strengthen partnerships across multiple sectors, increase referrals from community and healthcare partners, and assist eligible households with applications for home repair funding programs, including USDA and other available repair assistance opportunities. The initiative is designed to improve housing conditions, reduce health-related hazards, and enhance quality of life for participating households.
ERBA has served residents throughout south-central Illinois for more than 60 years, providing programs and services that help individuals and families achieve greater self-sufficiency and stability. As a Community Action Agency, ERBA remains committed to addressing the needs of low-income households through housing counseling, financial literacy education, and access to essential resources.
For more information about ERBA’s housing counseling and home repair assistance programs, contact Sandy Deters at ERBA at 217-331-7031or sandyd@erbainc.org
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